In addition to physical features, the activity patterns and behavior of immature golden eagles can further aid identification. Any golden eagle with light-colored eyes likely indicates a juvenile or subadult bird under 3 years old. By 3 years old, most immature golden eagles have the dark brown eye color typical of adults. Golden eagle hatchlings initially have blue-gray colored eyes that progressively darken to brown over the first 2 years of life. Only mature golden eagles 4 years and older possess the characteristically broad tail edged with white that makes this species so recognizable in flight. By 2-3 years old, the tail is approaching full length but often appears somewhat slender compared to adults. Juvenile birds less than 1 year old have relatively short tails that can appear almost stubby. Tail length is also a useful indicator of age for immature golden eagles. Any golden eagle with a beak darker than bright yellow is likely a juvenile or subadult. By 1 year of age, most immature golden eagles will have a yellowish or blackish beak. Hatchling golden eagles initially have a gray-blue colored beak which gradually turns yellow as they mature. Beak ColorĪnother indicator of age in immature golden eagles is beak color. The presence of white patches is a good giveaway. So in summary, any golden eagle with plumage that is not entirely dark brown likely indicates an immature bird that is less than 3 years old.
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